U.S. patent number 7,661,742 [Application Number 11/668,854] was granted by the patent office on 2010-02-16 for multi-function cargo lid/floor.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Ruben Guanzon, Troy Medlar.
United States Patent |
7,661,742 |
Medlar , et al. |
February 16, 2010 |
Multi-function cargo lid/floor
Abstract
A multi-functional cargo lid for a vehicle is provided that
functions as a floor for a main storage area, a lid for a storage
well, and as an elevated shelf. The cargo lid includes a first
panel pivotally connected to a cargo lining behind a rear seat of
the vehicle and a second panel pivotally connected to the first
panel. When the cargo lid is in a first configuration the first and
second panels are substantially horizontal and are flush with a
floor of the vehicle. When the cargo lid is in a second
configuration the first panel is substantially vertical and the
second panel is elevated above the floor but remains substantially
horizontal. A side latching device that pivots from each rear
sidewall of the vehicle is adapted to receive and horizontally
secure the second panel thereby securing the cargo lid in the
second configuration.
Inventors: |
Medlar; Troy (Marysville,
OH), Guanzon; Ruben (Powell, OH) |
Assignee: |
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo,
JP)
|
Family
ID: |
39667128 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/668,854 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2007 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20080179907 A1 |
Jul 31, 2008 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/37.16;
296/37.5; 296/37.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R
5/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60R
5/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;296/37.16,37.14,37.5,37.3,37.8,37.1 ;108/44 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Pape; Joseph D
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Duell; Mark E. Rankin Hill &
Clark LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cargo lid for a vehicle comprising: a first panel pivotally
connected to a cargo lining behind a rear seat of the vehicle; and
a second panel pivotally connected to the first panel, wherein,
when the cargo lid is in a first configuration, the first and
second panels are in a first substantially horizontal orientation
flush with a floor of the vehicle, wherein, when the cargo lid is
in a second configuration, the first panel is in a substantially
vertical orientation and the second panel is in a second
substantially horizontal orientation, where the second substantial
horizontal orientation is elevated above the floor, and wherein a
side latching device pivotally extending from each rear sidewall of
the vehicle is adapted to receive a side edge of the second panel
to secure the second panel in the second substantially horizontal
orientation, thereby securing the cargo lid in the second
configuration.
2. The cargo lid of claim 1, wherein when the cargo lid is in a
third configuration, the first and second panels are in a
substantially vertical orientation and are generally parallel to
the rear seat.
3. The cargo lid of claim 1, wherein the first panel comprises a
forward edge and a rearward edge, the second panel comprises a
forward edge, a rearward edge, and two side edges, the forward edge
of the first panel is pivotally connected to the cargo lining, the
forward edge of the second panel is pivotally connected to the
rearward edge of the first panel, and each side edge of the second
panel defines a side notch in a manner such that the side notch
aligns with the side latching device when the cargo lid is moved
between the first configuration and the second configuration to
facilitate reconfiguration of the cargo lid.
4. A cargo lid in combination with a side latching device for a
vehicle comprising: a first panel pivotally connected to a vehicle
floor behind a rear seat of the vehicle; and a second panel
pivotally connected to the first panel, the second panel including
two side edges, each side edge having a downwardly extending lip;
the side latching device comprising a latch arm pivotally attached
to a sidewall of the vehicle and movable from a stored position to
an operating position such that the latch arm is generally parallel
with the floor of the vehicle when in the operating position, the
latch arm having a first and a second latch hook extending in an
upward direction from a top surface of the latch arm, wherein, when
the cargo lid is in a first configuration, the first and second
panels are in a first substantially horizontal orientation flush
with the floor, wherein, when the cargo lid is in a second
configuration, the first panel is in a substantially vertical
orientation and the second panel is elevated above the floor in a
second substantially horizontal orientation, and wherein, when the
cargo lid is in the second configuration, the latch arm is in the
operating position and the lip is received by the first and second
latch hooks to secure the second panel in the second substantially
horizontal orientation thereby securing the cargo lid in the second
configuration.
5. The combination of claim 4, wherein, when the cargo lid is in a
third configuration, the first and second panels are in a
substantially vertical orientation and are generally parallel to
the rear seat.
6. The combination of claim 4, wherein the side latching device
further includes a hub, the hub having a face that defines an
opening adapted to receive the latch arm when the latch arm is in
the stored position, a proximal end of the latch arm is pivotally
attached to a bottom of the hub opening, and the first latch hook
is located at a distal end of the latch arm and the second latch
hook is located between the proximal end and the distal end.
7. The combination of claim 4, wherein the first panel comprises a
forward edge and a rearward edge, the second panel comprises a
forward edge, a rearward edge, and two side edges, the forward edge
of the first panel is pivotally connected to a cargo lining, the
forward edge of the second panel is pivotally connected to the
rearward edge of the first panel, and each side edge of the second
panel defines a side notch such that the side notch aligns with the
side latching device when the cargo lid is moved between the first
configuration and second configuration to facilitate
reconfiguration of the cargo lid.
8. A vehicle comprising: a multi-configurable cargo lid pivotally
attached to a vehicle floor behind a rear seat of the vehicle, the
cargo lid having a first panel and a second panel; a cargo area
behind the rear seat of the vehicle, the cargo area comprising a
main storage area defined above the cargo lid and between each rear
side wall of the vehicle and a storage well defined below the cargo
lid and between each rear side wall of the vehicle; a side latching
device including a latch arm vertically extending from each rear
side wall of the vehicle, the latch arm being movable between a
stored position and an operating position, wherein when in the
operating position, the latch arms extend toward one another;
wherein when the cargo lid is in a first configuration the first
and second panels are in a first substantially horizontal
orientation flush with the floor, wherein when the cargo lid is in
a second configuration the first panel is in a substantially
vertical orientation and the second panel is elevated above the
floor in a second substantially horizontal orientation, and wherein
when the cargo lid is in the second configuration, the latch arms
are in the operating position and are adapted to receive the second
panel to secure the second panel in the second substantially
horizontal orientation thereby securing the cargo lid in the second
configuration.
9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein when the cargo lid is in a third
configuration, the first and second panels are in the substantially
vertical orientation and are generally parallel to the rear
seat.
10. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the side latching device
further includes a hub, the hub having a face that defines an
opening adapted to receive the latch arm when the latch arm is in
the stored position, the latch arm includes a first latch hook and
a second latch hook extending in an upward direction from a top
surface of the latch arm, the first latch hook is located at a
distal end of the latch arm and the second latch hook is located
between a proximal end and the distal end of the latch arm, and the
proximal end of the latch arm is pivotally attached to a bottom of
the hub opening.
11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the first panel comprises a
forward edge and a rearward edge, the second panel comprises a
forward edge, a rearward edge, and two side edges, the forward edge
of the first panel is pivotally connected to a cargo lining, the
forward edge of the second panel is pivotally connected to the
rearward edge of the first panel, each side edge of the second
panel defines a side notch such that the side notch aligns with the
side latching device when the cargo lid is moved between the first
configuration and the second configuration facilitating
reconfiguration of the cargo lid.
12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the storage well defines an
access opening having a perimeter, the perimeter comprising a front
portion, a rear portion, a lid latching device located on the rear
portion of the perimeter, wherein a latching mechanism is located
near the rearward edge of the second panel, wherein the rearward
edge of the second panel defines a notch, and wherein the latching
mechanism on the second panel and the notch cooperate with the lid
latching device on the perimeter to thereby secure the cargo lid in
the first configuration.
13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the perimeter further includes
two side edges, a protruding portion located on each side edge of
the perimeter, and each side notch cooperates with the protruding
portion in a manner such that when the cargo lid is in the floor
configuration the side notch is aligned with the protruding
portion.
14. A method for reconfiguring a cargo lid having a first panel and
a second panel for a vehicle from a first configuration to a second
configuration, the first configuration being defined as a floor
configuration and the second configuration being defined as a shelf
configuration, comprising the steps of: moving a pair of latch arms
from a stored position to an operating position; pivoting the cargo
lid upwardly past the latch arms; pivoting the second panel
downwardly relative to the first panel; and resting the second
panel on the latch arms.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the latch arms include a first
latch hook at a distal end of the latch arm and a second latch hook
between a proximal end and the distal end of the latch arm, and a
side edge of the second panel includes a downwardly extending lip,
the method further comprising the step of: engaging the lip with
the first latch hook and the second latch hook to secure the cargo
lid in the second configuration.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein when the cargo lid is in the
first configuration the first and second panels are in a first
substantially horizontal orientation flush with a floor of the
vehicle and when the cargo lid is in the second configuration the
first panel is in a substantially vertical orientation and the
second panel is in a second substantially horizontal orientation,
where the second substantial horizontal orientation is elevated
above the floor.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein a side latching device is
affixed to each sidewall of the vehicle and includes a hub, the hub
having a face that defines an opening adapted to receive the latch
arms when the latch arms are in the stored position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an automotive vehicle and more
specifically to an automotive vehicle with a cargo area having a
pivoting multi-function cargo lid.
2. Description of Related Art
Sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and other hatchback type
vehicles typically have a rear cargo or storage area that includes
a storage well located behind the last row of seats. The inclusion
of the storage well permits the operator to store tall items that
may not necessarily fit in a storage area without a storage well
due to the limited vertical height of the storage area.
One disadvantage, however, is that the storage area is not
conducive to compartmentalization. In other words, the size of the
storage area cannot be altered to accommodate different sized
items. Further, at times it is desired to separate items so as to
prevent them from becoming damaged during operation of the
vehicle.
Another disadvantage is that the storage area does not provide
adequate visual security in the event the operator wishes to store
larger valuable items in the rear of the vehicle. In other words,
when the operator stores an item in the storage area the item is
visible from the outside of the vehicle because there is no means
to conceal the item.
Thus, what is needed is a multi-function cargo lid that provides
visual security and that is conducive to compartmentalization.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention solves the above mentioned disadvantage by
providing a pivotal multi-functional, multi-configurable cargo lid
that serves as a cover for the storage well to provide a secure
area, a floor for the storage area, and as a shelf to increase the
storage capacity of the storage well and the secure area. Further,
the cargo lid can be pivoted to an upright configuration to
maximize the storage capacity of the cargo area.
Thus, in accordance with one aspect, the present invention
overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages by providing a
multi-function cargo lid for a vehicle. The cargo lid has a first
panel pivotally connected to a cargo lining behind a rear seat of
the vehicle and a second panel pivotally connected to the first
panel. When the cargo lid is in a first configuration the first and
second panels are in a first substantially horizontal orientation
flush with a floor of the vehicle. When the cargo lid is in a
second configuration the first panel is in a substantially vertical
orientation and the second panel is in a second substantially
horizontal orientation, where the second substantial horizontal
orientation is elevated above the floor. A side latching device
pivotally extends from each rear sidewall of the vehicle. The side
latching device receives a side edge of the second panel to secure
the second panel in the second substantially horizontal orientation
thereby securing the cargo lid in the second configuration.
In accordance with another aspect, the latching device of the
present invention has a latch arm pivotally extending from each
rear sidewall of the vehicle. When the latch arm is in an operating
position, the latch arm is generally parallel with the vehicle
floor. The latch arm has a first latch hook and a second latch hook
that extend in an upward direction from a top surface of the latch
arm. Thus, when the cargo lid is in the second configuration, a
downwardly extending lip on a side edge of the second panel is
inserted between the first and second latch hooks to secure the
second panel in the second substantially horizontal
orientation.
Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains
upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed
specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be
described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings that form a part of the specification.
FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a rear end of an automotive
vehicle showing a cargo lid in a first or floor configuration.
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the rear end of the
automotive vehicle showing the cargo lid in a second or shelf
configuration.
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the rear end of the
automotive vehicle showing the cargo lid in a third or upright
configuration.
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a rear end of an automotive
vehicle showing the cargo lid movable between the first, second and
third configurations.
FIG. 5 is a close-up view of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a latching device in an operating
position.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the latching device in a stored
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 show a perspective view of
a rear end of a vehicle 10 with a hatch type door (not shown), such
as, but not limited to a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a mini van, a
crossover vehicle or any other type of hatchback type vehicle. The
vehicle 10 includes a rear-bench type seat 12, a cargo area 14
located behind the rear seat 12 and a floor 18. The vehicle 10
further includes a multi-function cargo lid 16 pivotally connected
behind the rear seat 12 that functions as a lid, a floor and a
shelf. A side latching device 20 is affixed to each sidewall 22 in
the rear of the vehicle 10, and is pivotally movable between a
vertical orientation for storage and a horizontal or deployed
orientation to secure the cargo lid 16 in a shelf configuration as
will be described further below.
Still referring to FIGS. 1-4, the cargo area 14 includes a main
storage area 24 and a storage well 26. The main storage area 24 is
defined as the area behind the rear seat 12 above the cargo lid 16
extending upward toward the roof of the vehicle 10. The main
storage area 24 is typically larger than the storage well 26 and is
used to store large vertical items that may not fit in the storage
well 26 under the cargo lid 16. As mentioned above, items stored in
the main storage area 24, however, are not visually hidden from
outside the vehicle 10 and, therefore, may be prone to theft.
The storage well 26 is the area below the cargo lid 16, extending
in a downward direction below the floor 18 of the vehicle 10. A
cargo lining 27, which connects to the floor 18 of the vehicle 10,
may be inserted into the storage well 26 to provide protection to
the storage well 26. When the cargo lid 16 is configured as shown
in FIG. 1, the storage well 26 becomes an enclosed area having four
walls 28, a floor 30 and a pivotal lid, where the cargo lid 16
serves as the pivotal lid of the enclosed area. Thus, any items
stored in the storage well 26 are visually hidden from outside the
vehicle and are, therefore, less prone to theft. The open end of
the storage well 26 defines an access opening to permit access to
the storage well 26. Surrounding the access opening is a perimeter
34 that includes a front portion 36 and a rear portion 38. A
U-shaped latching device 40, located on the rear portion 38 of the
perimeter 34, is adapted to cooperate with the cargo lid 16 to
secure the cargo lid 16 when configured as shown in FIG. 1. As will
be seen further below, the cargo lid 16 can be configured in such a
manner that the size of the main storage area 24 and the storage
well 26 can be increased or decreased.
Still referring to FIGS. 1-4, the cargo lid 16 has a first panel 42
and a second panel 44. The first panel 42 has a forward edge 46 and
a rearward edge 48. The forward edge 46 is pivotally connected to
the cargo lining 27 at the front portion 36 of the perimeter 34 of
the storage well 26 (see FIG. 3). Any type of mechanical pivoting
device known in the art, such as, but not limited to multiple
standard hinges, a piano type hinge, flexible straps, Velcro, etc.
can be used to mount to first panel 42 to the cargo lining 27. In
the embodiment shown in the figures the first panel 42 is connected
to the cargo lining 27 with multiple standard-type hinges 49.
The second panel 44 also includes a forward edge 50, a rearward
edge 52, and two side edges 54. The forward edge 50 of the second
panel 44 is pivotally connected to the rearward edge 48 of the
first panel 42. Any type of mechanical pivoting device known in the
art, such as, but not limited to multiple standard hinges, a piano
type hinge, Velcro, etc. can be used to mount to second panel 44 to
the first panel 42. Each side edge 54 defines a U-shaped side notch
56 located toward the rearward edge 52 such that each U-shaped
notch 56 is aligned with the side latching device 20 when the cargo
lid 16 is moved between configurations. Thus, the latching device
20 passes through the U-shaped notch 56 and does not interfere with
the cargo lid 16 when the cargo lid 16 is reconfigured (see FIGS. 4
and 5).
A latching mechanism 58 is positioned approximately halfway between
each side edge 54 and near the rearward edge 52 of the second panel
44. Further, the rearward edge 52 defines a U-shaped notch 60
adjacent to the latching mechanism 58. The latching mechanism 58
and U-shaped notch 60 cooperate with the U-shaped latching device
40 on the perimeter 34 of the storage well 26 to align and secure
the cargo lid 16 when the cargo lid 16 is configured as shown in
FIG. 1.
Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the side latching device 20 includes a hub
62 and a pivotal latch arm 64. A face 66 of the hub 62 defines an
opening 68 that is adapted to receive the pivotal latch arm 64. A
proximal end 70 of the latch arm 64 is pivotally attached in a
bottom portion 72 of the hub opening 68. The latch arm 64,
therefore, pivots between an operating position (FIG. 6) and a
stored position (FIG. 7).
In the operating position each latch arm 64 extends laterally such
that the latch arms 64 are generally parallel to the floor 18 of
the vehicle 10. In the stored position, the latch arms 64 extend
vertically so as to be generally flush with the face 66 of the hub
62. When in the operating position, a first latch hook 74 and a
second latch hook 76 extend in an upward direction from a top
surface 77 of the latch arm 64. The first latch hook 74 is located
at a distal end 78 of the latch arm 64 and the second latch hook 76
is located between the proximal end 70 and the distal end 78, as
best seen in FIG. 6. The latch hooks 74, 76 are adapted to receive
the side edge 54 of the second panel 44 when the cargo lid 16 is in
the second configuration. More specifically, the downwardly facing
surface of the side edge 54 rests upon the upwardly facing surface
of the second latch hook 76, and a laterally outwardly facing
surface of the first latch hook 74 is disposed adjacent to an
inwardly facing surface of the first side edge 54, as shown in FIG.
6.
Referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 6, the multi-function feature of the
cargo lid 16 will now be explained. FIG. 1 shows the cargo lid 16
in a first or floor configuration. In the floor configuration, both
the first 42 and second 44 panels of the cargo lid 16 are in a
substantially horizontal orientation flush with the floor 18 of the
vehicle 10 and, thus, are generally parallel with the floor 30 of
the storage well 26. The cargo lid 16, thus, serves as a floor for
the main storage area 24 and a pivotal lid or cover for the storage
well 26.
In the floor configuration, the latching mechanism 58 and U-shaped
notch 60 on the second panel 44 cooperate with the U-shaped
latching device 40 on the perimeter 34 of the storage well 26 to
align and secure the cargo lid 16 in the floor configuration. In
addition, the two U-shaped side notches 56 on the second panel 44
cooperate with an L-shaped member 80 situated on a side portion 82
of the perimeter 34. Thus, when the cargo lid is in the floor
configuration, a foot portion 81 of the L-shaped member 80 fills
the space defined by the U-shaped side notches 56.
FIG. 2 shows the cargo lid 16 in a second or shelf configuration.
When the cargo lid 16 is reconfigured into the shelf configuration,
the first panel 42 pivots at the forward edge 46 with respect to
the floor 18 of the vehicle 10 to a substantially vertical
orientation and the second panel 44 pivots at the rearward edge 52
with respect to the first panel 42 but remains in a substantially
horizontal orientation. The second panel 44, however, is no longer
flush with the floor 18 but is elevated above the floor 18. Thus,
the first panel 42 is generally parallel to the rear seat 12 and
the second panel 44 remains generally parallel to the floor 30 of
the storage well 26.
Referring to FIG. 6, to secure the cargo lid 16 in the shelf
configuration, a downwardly facing lip 84 on each side edge 54 of
the second panel 44 is received by the first latch hook 74 and the
second latch hook 76. The lip 84 rests on the second latch hook 76,
and is laterally engaged by the first latch hook 74. The first
latch hook 74 is rearwardly adjacent the side edge lip 86 at the
U-shaped notch and engages the lip 86 to prevent rearward movement
of the second panel 44. Thus, the first latch hook 74 and second
latch hook 76 vertically support the second panel 44 and prevent
the second panel 44 from shifting either forward and backward or
side to side, thereby stabilizing the cargo lid 16 during operation
of the vehicle 10.
Consequently, because the cargo lid 16 is now elevated and in the
shelf configuration, the storage capacity of the cargo area 14 is
optimized. Thus, larger items can be stored both under the cargo
lid 14 in the storage well 26 and on the cargo lid 14 in the main
storage area 24.
FIG. 3 shows the cargo lid 16 in a third or upright configuration.
In the upright configuration, both the first 42 and second 44
panels pivot with respect to the floor 18 of the vehicle 10 in an
upward direction and are generally parallel with the rear seat 12.
Thus, the main storage area 24 and the storage well 26 are combined
into a single storage area allowing for the storage of large items.
The cargo lid 16 can be secured in the upright configuration to the
back of the rear seat 12 by any securing means (not shown) commonly
known in the art, such as, but not limited to hooks, latches,
straps, snaps, Velcro, etc.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and
illustrated, it is to be understood that these embodiments are
provided by way of example only and that the invention is not to be
construed as being limited but only by proper scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *